The Kitsap County Public Works Stormwater Division recently won the Top Project award for its 113-acre Whispering Firs Stormwater Park project.

Storm Water Solutions presented the award to Kitsap County at its annual conference. Winning projects were selected based on innovation, collaboration with engineers, architects, professionals, and overcoming challenges.

Whispering Firs Stormwater Park was once a vacant trailer park that was transformed into a multi—functional space designed to filter and clean pollutants from stormwater. The park also doubles as a recreational space for residents with walking paths and picnic benches.

The park uses green treatment techniques and includes round cement circles which serve as both a hydraulic system and a seating area for visitors. Native plantings, the preservation of mature trees and visible underground bio-retention cells are all display stormwater treatment in action.

The $4 million project treats total suspended solids, total petroleum hydrocarbons, metals and nutrients, and controls water flow to Clear Creek.

“Gone are the days of building simple stormwater projects,” said Chris May, senior program manager for the Stormwater Division. “We need to think green, be innovative, and design for multifunctional community use.”

Whispering Firs Stormwater Park is located at 12300 Silverdale Way and opened to the public in June.